The Education Minister Richard Bruton says more than 80% of primary schools have a ban on smartphones.

It comes as the Government has launched an action plan for online safety that includes providing more training for teachers.

The plan also involves new criminal offences, a National Advisory Council for online safety and an information campaign on the issue.

Minister Bruton said the use of smartphones in schools is being considered under the plan.

He said: "What we know from survey work is that over 80% of primary schools now have a ban on smartphones and the remaining schools have restrictions of some sort.

"So schools aren't inactive in this area, but I think what schools would also tell you is that, unless they have the support of students and parents, introducing some sort of a top-down ban isn't effective."